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Causes of Radioactive Pollution: 1. Nuclear Accidents From Nuclear Energy Generation Plants
Causes of Radioactive Pollution: 1. Nuclear Accidents From Nuclear Energy Generation Plants
Causes of Radioactive Pollution: 1. Nuclear Accidents From Nuclear Energy Generation Plants
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Since most of the raw sewage is untreated before release, once released, the
isotope combines with other compounds and elements in water. This is the
same water that people fetch for domestic use. Moreover, fishes use the
same water to survive. Consumption of these fish and from contaminated
water sources means potential intake of radiation.
4. Mining
Mining mostly involves the excavation of the mineral ores which are then
broken into smaller manageable pieces. Radium and Uranium, for instance,
are naturally occurring in the environment and are equally radioactive.
Hence, mining increases the natural geological processes by moving these
materials from underneath the earth to the surface. Other minerals with a
hint of radiation are thorium, plutonium, radon, potassium, carbon and
phosphorus.
6. Tests on radiation
Radiation has been seen to have a lot of interesting properties which has
promoted a lot of scientists to conduct tests to learn more about it. It is one
of the key elements in the cure and treatment of cancer.
7. Cosmic rays
These come from outer space to our planet with intense radiation as their
nature, therefore, causing radioactive pollution. Gamma rays, for example,
are said to have the highest level of radiation and yet, depending on their
intensity, some are not visible to the human eye. The quantity with which the
rays hit the earth depends on the altitude of the earth and the geographical
location.
The resulting mutation makes one highly susceptible to cancer. For pregnant
women, kids born have adverse defects caused by genetic mutations like low
weight during birth. Effects such as disfigured births and impairment like
blindness in children have also been reported. Infertility has also been
mentioned as an effect of radiation.
2. Diseases
Cancer is the most dominant radiation related disease. It has developed over
the years and poses great risk in global health. Others include leukemia,
anemia, hemorrhage, a reduction in the life span leading to premature aging
and premature deaths as well as others such as cardiovascular
complications. Leukemia, for instance, is caused by radiation in the bone
marrow.
3. Soil infertility
Exposure of radiation to the atmosphere means it is present even in soils.
Radioactive substances in the soil react together with the various nutrients
leading to destruction of those nutrients, thus rendering the soil infertile
and highly toxic. Such soil leads to the harvest of crops that are riddled with
radiation and thus, unfit for consumption by both humans and animals.
Plants that grow from such soil are also genetically modified. Since these are
at the base of the food chain, the herbivores consume them and retain the
radiation levels. The carnivores such as lions, vultures end up consuming
them and increasing their levels of radiation – explained through the concept
of Biomagnification.
4. Cell destruction
5. Burns;
Radiation is not easy to feel but it is easy to realize that you have been
affected by it. The immediate presence of burns, red lesions and sores is
evidence. To make it worse, this can lead to skin cancer.
5. Proper storage
It is mandatory for containers carrying radioactive material to be stored
properly. For starters, such substances should be stored in radiation proof
containers to ensure no seeping or leakage during handling. Proper storage
means no harm and can minimize cases of accidental leakage.
6. Reusing
Since it is not easy to store or dispose the waste, it can be recycled and used
for other purposes like in another reactor as fuel thereby protecting the
environment.
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